Gems of Northern Italy

10 DAYS FROM MILAN TO VENICE

Day 1 – Milan

Arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport, where you will be transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 – Milan

FEATURED EXCURSION: Marvel at Da Vinci’s masterpiece

Budding young fashion designers and artists will love vibrant Milan, the fashion and design capital of Italy, as well as home to two of the greatest sights in the world—the towering Gothic cathedral and Da Vinci’s astounding The Last Supper. This is the perfect place to start your Italian adventure.

Day 3 – Milan, Verona, transfer to Venice (embark)

FEATURED EXCURSION: Roam Romeo & Juliet’s hometown

Before arriving in Venice, you’ll stop in Verona—literary home to Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Hear the echoes of Romeo calling out for Juliet at her famous balcony and then visit the Roman amphitheater where gladiators once competed. The perfect setting for lunch is at the Valpolicella wine estate, offering delicious risotto, pasta, gelato and Italy’s favorite kids’ soft drinks, as well as wonderful wine for adults.

Day 4 – Venice

FEATURED EXCURSION: Venice magic

Venice is certain to cast its magical spell on you as you wind through its labyrinthine back lanes and along its glorious canals. Home to wonderful traditions, including glassblowing and mask making, which you’ll get to try, as well as the world’s best ice cream, which you’ll get to taste. And as the sun begins to set, you’ll be treated to more magic at St. Mark’s Basilica, where the doors of this icon open especially for you, so you can see the glorious church in the evening light—without the crowds.

Day 5 – Chioggia (Padua)

FEATURED EXCURSION: Biking at the beach

Sail from Venice to the colorful and charming fishing village of Chioggia, which is also known as “Little Venice.” Spend the afternoon bicycling along the beautiful Adriatic Sea—the bike path here is flat and makes for easy pedaling.

Day 6 – Polesella (Bologna or Ferrara)

FEATURED EXCURSION: Make your own pasta!

Bologna, Italy’s culinary capital, is the ideal place to learn the art of making pasta. Create and eat authentic Italian pasta during this hands-on workshop.

Day 7 – Taglio di Po, Chioggia, Venice

FEATURED EXCURSION: Mussel harvesting

Explore this Italian fishing village before hopping on a boat to sail out into the lagoon to a casone (fisherman’s hut on stilts), where you’ll learn how to harvest mussels (and cook and eat them, too).

Day 8 – Venice Island (Burano and Mazzorbo), Venice

FEATURED EXCURSION: Venice’s enchanting outer islands

Meet the residents of Burano, many of whom live in houses brightly painted in eye-popping colors. Tweens and teens will learn the secrets of kayaking and gondola rowing as they get to try it themselves.

Note: Lunch is not included on this day.

Day 9 – Venice

FEATURED EXCURSION: Venice ghost walk

Take a magical mystery tour of Venice— stopping to learn about local foods and shop for a picnic lunch at the colorful Rialto Market, crossing the Canal Grande in a gondola, and hunting for art treasures in hidden corners of the city— as your expert guide recounts local legends along the way.

Day 10 – Venice (disembark), transfer to the airport

Disembark the ship and transfer to Venice Marco Polo International Airport for your flight home.